Divergent High

To Be Brave Or Selfless

Tris' POV

I went looking for Four shortly after he left. It didn't feel right that I had just joined this school and I was already causing trouble for someone. I didn't want Four's friends to get mad at him for what he did - it wasn't even that big a deal. I'd had a lot worse from people at my old school than what Four had dished out in English class. Anyway, I told Christina and the others to meet me by the office, ten minutes before the bell is supposed to ring so I can pick my faction. I have no idea what I want to be. To be honest, I'd like to think that I have part of each faction in me. I mean, how can you be brave, but unkind? How can you be smart, but dishonest? And everyone has their selfish moments, but that doesn't make you a completely selfish person, right? There are so many decision, but I can only choose to be one. I have to be one thing for the whole of my Senior Year? Why is that fair?

I find Four sitting on the bleachers near the football field, turning a football in his hands. He looks peaceful sat by himself, but stern at the same time; like he could still rip your head off if you crossed him. Observing him now, I can see that the features of his face are more defined. His nose is hooked and his Cupid's bow stands out more noticeably over his full bottom lip. The crinkles by his eyes are a tell-tale sign that he laughs a lot more than you would think. And, with the position of the sun helping him, he looks almost godly as he leans his chin on his hand, his elbow balancing sternly on his knee.

I decide to approach him carefully, not wanting to disturb his relaxed state. I manage to get all the way up to his row before he notices me. His eyes widen when he sees me stood at the end of the isle. He sits up straighter, as if he thinks he has something to prove. I smile sheepishly at him, clasping my hands in front of me nervously.

"This seat taken?" I ask, nodding to the space next to him. He pauses for a moment, looking at me like a deer caught in headlights, before shaking his head slowly. I carefully sit next to him, wanting to keep as much distance between me and him as possible. I look out at the field, the smell of the freshly cut grass drifting in our direction as the soft breeze makes me shiver. Obviously noticing this, Four carefully places his jacket over my shoulders and leans back on his elbows. I smile gratefully at him, leaning back as well. I can understand why he'd like it here; he seems like the kind of person to like quiet places - places to think.

"How did you find me?" He eventually asks after a pregnant silence.

"With great difficulty." I say, causing him to smirk. "I think you're the kind of person who, if they wanted to disappear, would never be found again." I say quietly. He gives me a knowing look, raising one of his eyebrows.

"I think it's a bit early to be making judgements on each other's character, don't you?" He asks playfully. I shake my head profusely.

"I-I didn't mean it as a bad thing." I say. "I wish I could obtain such a quality." I mumble under my breath, turning back to look at the field.

"Why do you wish that?" He asks, thinking he's getting somewhere. I can't help but laugh.

"For a number of reasons." I say with a smile. He raises an eyebrow again and I laugh. "None of which you need to know." I finish, smiling triumphantly. He laughs this time, leaning forward again.

"I think you're the kind of person who has a lot of secrets." He says. Caleb's face flashes in my mind and I feel a pang of guilt run through me like an electric current. 'You have no idea', I think.

"You know," I say, changing the subject, "that Lauren girl is very protective over you."

"Ugh, don't remind me." He groans, putting his head in his hands and taking deep breaths. Shortly after, he lifts his head again and rests his cheek against his hand, facing me. "Did you really fall and tip water on yourself? Or was it actually Lauren?"